Brussels, Belgium – Key road safety players from The Netherlands and the UK are set to gather in Rotterdam and Delft 30 May – 1 June 2007 to discuss actions regarding how intelligent safety systems for cars (eSafety systems) can help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on Europe’s roads.

Organised by the eSafety Support project and co-sponsored by the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works, and Water Management and Connekt/ITS Netherlands, the aim of the Rotterdam/Delft eSafety Observers Regional meeting is to review how eSafety players in The Netherlands and UK can work together to increase awareness of the benefits of eSafety systems such as emergency call (eCall).

With over 25 participants set to attend, the meeting – to be held at Connekt/ITS Netherlands’ premises in Delft – will feature presentations by European Commission and national eSafety Support experts, giving an overview of the eSafety initiative and its achievements to date at both the European and national levels. The eSafety initiative, launched in 2002, is dedicated to halving the number of road deaths in Europe by 2010 through the development and deployment of eSafety systems.

Two technical visits
Besides the stakeholders’ presentations and discussions, attendees will also venture to Rotterdam for two technical visits. At the Dutch Centre for Traffic Systems on 31 May, the eSafety Observers will learn how the centre provides test facilities for dynamic traffic management systems, organises training programmes and courses for traffic control managers and acts as an innovative platform for R&D research. A 1 June visit to Rotterdam’s PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) at the World Port Centre will enable the participants to experience the “beating heart” of the Safety Region Rotterdam-Rijnmond and see how its devoted staff responds to an emergency situation.

The European Commission-funded eSafety Support project actively assists eSafety stakeholders in their efforts to increase public awareness of the enormous impact eSafety systems can have on road safety. The project lends support to the eSafety initiative, which brings together the European Commission, public authorities, industry and other stakeholders in a drive to accelerate the development, deployment and use of eSafety systems. For more information about eSafety Support and the eSafety initiative, please visit www.esafetysupport.org